/ 24 October 2001

CHISSANO IN HAVANA

MOZAMBICAN President Joaquim Chissano will make a six-day official visit to Cuba next week, at the invitation of his counterpart Fidel Castro, the president’s office announced on Wednesday. The two men will hold talks on boosting bilateral relations between their two friendly states, a statement from Chissano’s office said. Several protocols are expected to be signed, notably on education, tourism and trade, the statement said. Mozambique and Cuba have been traditional partners for decades, and they have cooperated strongly in the areas of education and health. Mozambique used to be a socialist state, but embarked on market reforms backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank 14 years ago. – AFP